Crackdown on property dealers selling plots in illegal colonies

Authorities in Gurugram and Faridabad have intensified their crackdown on the development of illegal colonies, putting property agents under the scanner for defrauding poor and migrant populations. Around 100 property agents in Gurugram are under investigation for allegedly selling plots in illegal colonies using General Power of Attorney (GPA) or fraudulent documents.

Zero tolerance for encroachments

We have zero tolerance for encroachments. Ignorance of rules is being misused by agents. Buyers should verify the legality of land before purchasing any plot. — RS Batth, nodal officer, enforcement, gurugram

RS Batth, Nodal Officer, Enforcement, Gurugram, revealed that the department has started registering FIRs against these agents. "We have zero tolerance for encroachments. Whenever we visit an illegal colony, we find that most residents, often poor or migrants, are unaware their houses are illegal. They hold GPAs or fraudulent registries. This ignorance is exploited by property agents. We have planned to tighten the noose and will register FIRs against all such agents in the coming weeks,” Batth said.

These agents are reportedly selling land in peripheral areas at rates ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 per sq yd, demanding cash payments. Areas like Behrampur, Manesar, Bhondsi, Kadarpur, Begumpur Khatola and Rithoj have emerged as hotspots for such activities.

The enforcement team demolished a recently developed illegal colony spread across 70 acres in Behrampur today. The operation, involving 50 police personnel, uncovered seven patches of land being levelled. In five of these patches, roads and damp proof courses (DPC) were under construction. Property dealers from Maruti Kunj and Rithoj were reportedly selling these plots at Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per sq yd using GPAs. FIRs have been registered against the agents involved.

“We are pushing for agent registration and encouraging buyers to verify the legality of land before purchasing any plot,” said Batth. The Gurugram authorities are also coordinating with Faridabad to take action against property agents operating there.